On September 15, 2021, Southern First Nations Network of Care granted mandate variation to Intertribal Child & Family Services. The mandate variation will allow Fisher River Cree Nation to provide child welfare services exclusively to Fisher River members.
FRCN Leadership views the mandate variation as a positive first step which will allow us to develop community focused and effective programs that will meet the needs of our children, youth, and families. We remain committed to creating a strong foundation by ensuring child welfare continues to be one of the priority areas.
On January 1, 2020, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (Bill C-92) came into force and the Canadian Government provided funding for Indigenous governing bodies interested in creating their own laws with respect to child and family welfare. Fisher River Cree Nation and the Reconciliation Project were successful in securing funding to develop our own Child & Family Law.
It is imperative that we establish our own law, specifically for Fisher River members, that will prevail over federal and provincial laws. Fisher River Cree Nation is working very closely with Sonny Cochrane and his team from Cochrane Saxberg to ensure all national standards and regulations are met as well as protect the preservation of cultural identity and connections to the customs and traditions of our community. Working groups have been established and meetings occur bi-weekly to discuss all areas of child & welfare law. All decisions related to law development will be made by Fisher River Cree Nation members only.
Community members are encouraged to become part of the development process whether its by participating in the working groups or meeting with us to have your voice heard. We want to ensure all people have the opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns. Please contact the Reconciliation team.